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special books FEBRUARY 2013 2013 FEBRUARY Self-help RANCO F ALENTINES ALENTINES V love

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TOGETHER MAGAZINE INSPIRING YOU TO REACH YOUR DREAMS VALUE € 3.50 FEBRUARY 2013 #36

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Editor’s letter Back to roots...

Our exclusive interview this month is with a Belgian of Italian extraction, a showman and impresario whose life course was decided when he was a little boy: his father gave him an accordion as a present. Perhaps destiny was already hard at work as he squeezed that musical box all those years ago in the family home in Cairano.

Since then has had a glittering On the cover career in show business, initially with Cirque du

FEBRUARY 2013 #36 TOGETHER MAGAZINE TOGETHER Soleil and later on with his own company. Now in his 50s he is being talked up as the creator/ director for the opening and closing ceremonies of

INSPIRING YOU TO REACH YOUR DREAMS YOUR REACH TO YOU INSPIRING the 2014 World Cup in , shows that will be watched by millions worldwide.

We can’t always remember the moment or the person that inspired us to become who we are. If VALENTINES we are fortunate enough to be spared to live a long special

VALUE € 3.50 € VALUE and fulfilling life, there will, no doubt, be twists and FRANCO Dragone turns along the way. Franco Dragone is planning to Self help work again with non-actors, putting the spotlight FOOD books FEBRUARY 2013 2013 FEBRUARY on people who are disadvantaged in our society. Perhaps, like him, we too might find the time one

# of l ove 36 day to revisit our roots… WWW.TOGETHERMAG.EU

Franco Dragone

Paul Morris Editor

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togethermag.eu I 13 Founder © Jérôme Stéfanski Publisher David Mc Gowan [email protected]

Editor Paul Morris 39 78 [email protected]

Art Director Aurore Lombeau [email protected] Contents Contributors February 2013 Emma Portier Davis; Patti Bruns; Dave Deruytter; James Drew; Philippe Geluck; Suzette Reid; 13 Publisher’s letter Federico Grandesso; 14 Contents Delphine Stefens; Martin Banks; Colin Moors; Alex Hewetson; 18 Starring in Paul Morris Personal development Stylist Nicholas Sirot 23 Fitness: Personal trainers 27 Self help: The books Online Editor 33 Advice: Winter blues Nigel Griffiths [email protected] 35 Money: Internet banking 39 Politics: Gay marriage Key Account director Renaud Philippart [email protected] Food of love +32 (0)494 64 67 93 44 Food of love: The aphrodisiacs Together Media 48 Food of Love: The music Boulevard St Michel, 47 50 Fashion: The latest B-1040 Brussels Fragrance of love +32 (0)2 400 00 24 60 Beauty News: [email protected] 65 Gifts: Valentine’s gifts www.togethermag.eu 70 Motoring: Audi Ice Experience For advertising sales rates please consult www.togethermag.eu

LIFE OF LEISURE Together magazine 77 Interview: Franco Dragone LMedia - 201/203, rue de Vaugirard 80 Travel: Indonesian islands 75015 - www.lmedia.fr 3D printing Director: 83 Gadgets: Jean-Baptiste Leprince 87 Wine: The accessories [email protected] 90 Dining: Food for love Business development director: Damien Delachaux International 93 What’s on: [email protected] 94 What’s on: Belgium Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in 96 Charity: Expats for Unicef part without the written permission of the publisher. The Le Chat by Phillip Geluck publisher cannot be held responsible for the views and 98 Cartoon: opinions expressed in this magazine by contributors Together is neither responsible for nor endorses the content 14 I togethermag.eu of published advertisements, nor canthe magazine be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies in the same. Want more... Fashion - Travel - Lifestyle - Technology - Art & Culture - News

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/togethermagazine @together_Mag 16 I togethermag.eu Starring in A choice of entertainment compiled by Belgium Emma Portier Davis © Botanique

© Live Nation Sigur Rós Icelandic post-rock band, famous for falsetto vocals and ethereal sound, will stop off in Belgium as Esben and the Witch part of their European tour to Showcasing hits from their soon-to-be-released second promote their latest album Valtari. album Wash the Sins Not Only the Face, Esben and the on February 26. Witch, an indie rock band from Brighton, will be Tickets €41. performing at Botanique on February 15. www.livenation.be www.botanique.be

Mick Michael Jackson Hucknall Acrobats and dancers Lead singer of from Cirque du Soleil Simply Red will be bringing Michael Mick Hucknall Jackson’s hits to life in a will be cinematic, dance, performing hits from his latest album musical fantasia at American Soul, which is a collection of his ’s . favourite hits rerecorded with his vocals, March 1-2. along with classics like Stars and Holding www.livenation.be Back The Years. on © Live Nation March 2. Tickets €49. www.livenation.be

Olivia Ruiz French singer Olivia Ruiz of Femme de Chocolat fame will be treating fans to a © La Mar Taylor selection of tracks The Weeknd from her new album Canadian hip hop/R’n’B artist Abel Le Calme et La Tesfaye, who goes by the stage Tempête. Ancienne name The Weeknd, is performing in Belgique on Brussels on March 14, showcasing February 15. hits from his latest album Trilogy. Tickets from €32. . Tickets from €27. www.livenation.be www.livenation.be © Live Nation

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Light for those winter blues

© Ruud Morijn Photographer 20 I togethermag.eu togethermag.eu I 21 Personal How development Can I HelpYou? Personal trainer Patti Bruns give educated to meet the needs of clients with any level of athletic ability. Beyond this, us some clues to staying great PTs connect to what motivates you motivated in you training regime as an individual, creating workouts that, step-by-step, bring you closer to your ideal state of fitness and Be honest, did you wellbeing. Studies show make a New Year’s that people are more resolution to eat better likely to stick to an and get to the gym more exercise program, often? If you did, good and the related behavior for you! Any time is a changes, if a personal good time to focus on trainer is guiding them. your wellbeing. So what if it came to you with a Personal training is just glass of bubbly in your that, personal, so you hand and two weeks of are less likely to sustain over-indulgence under an injury while training. your belt! Programs are designed to add progression The question now is how gradually, ensuring do you stay motivated that movements are and keep healthy habits done properly at lower part of your life, forever? intensities before adding If you find yourself more weight, speed or struggling to get to range of motion. Finally, the gym and stick to one of the best reasons your self-imposed Great PTs to hire a trainer is that training schedule, it you have a guide by might be time to seek connect to your side as you move expert advice and hire a what motivates towards your goals. personal trainer. Before Your PT is there to cheer you reach for your wallet, you you on, call you on your let’s go over a few cheats and, with any essentials, like what are luck, make it fun along the benefits of having a the way. trainer, how do you find a good one and what are OK, now how do I the key elements of find a good making the most of your time together. Personal Trainer? Every fitness club should have trainers for What can a trainer do for me, hire and most have a public display of their really? profiles. Most PTs are freelance, and some Personal trainers (PTs) are experts in are willing to come to your home or office. movement and exercise prescription, A great way to pick a trainer is to keep an

togethermag.eu I 23 Personal development eye on some of the PT sessions that are The same goes for your trainer, you do not going on the next time you are in the gym. have to put up with a PT that is always late Larger clubs, like Aspria, have trainers and spends your session taking calls and working with clients throughout the day, sending texts. so it is easy to see how different trainers work. Once you have a name and number, The trainer will introduce each exercise by contact the PT and ask to have an initial explaining why it is in the program and then consultation. Good trainers will want to demonstrate the exercise with good form. meet you BEFORE booking your first If you don’t understand the exercise, workout so they can find out more about or feel that it is unsafe for you, stop and ask your history, goals and expectations. The questions. Your PT will encourage you to questions asked during this discussion will work as hard as you can, providing you with ultimately shape your program. Be truthful ample rest time between exercises. Great so your PT can design the right program trainers will come to learn what motivates for you. you best – be sure to help them out with feedback during and after each session. Here are a few tips to getting the most from It is normal for PT sessions to last an hour your initial consultation: with the last 10 minutes reserved for / Be open about your medical and exercise stretching. history, including injuries and any current conditions. / Answer lifestyle questions honestly. Include information on how you eat and drink, your work and family stresses, Programs as well as things that make you excited and happy. are designed / Be specific about WHAT your goals are and WHY they motivated you to get to add a personal trainer. For example, “I want progression to lose 5 kilos before Easter so I can be more active with my kids this spring.” gradually / Explain what your expectations are of the trainer. How often would you like to train? Do you expect a written program? / Ask the trainer about their current qualifications. To make the most of your time with your / Find out what the trainer charges, how trainer, be sure to report how you feel after they like to be paid and if they have any each workout. This will help your trainer special offers. progress your program in a safe yet challenging manner. Reassessment of your If you are happy at the end of the program in relation to your goals should be conversation and feel like you could work carried out every 4-6 weeks to ensure that with the trainer, you are ready to book your you are on track! first session! The Bottom Line Now, the fun begins! Personal training is a powerful tool in your As with all new relationships, it is wise to put quest to achieve greater fitness and well- your best foot forward. Make sure you arrive being. The key is to find a trainer that on time for your sessions, with a towel and understands what makes you tick. So don’t water bottle to hand. Leave your mobile forget that resolution you made at midnight phone in your locker. This is “you” time! – embrace it and make it happen!

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Yoga works Martin Banks trawls the world of self-help books From Green Goddess to ‘harmonic wealth’ birthday. In the US, it was those fitness videos by actress Jane Fonda that aimed emember Green Goddess Diana R to send out pretty much the same message. Moran?

Older, British, readers may recall she was It has to be said, however, that self-help and the ‘pioneering’ lifestyle coach who ‘life coaching’ has come an awful long way appeared in her trademark green leotard on since the Green Goddess and Jane Fonda. the fitness segment of the BBC’s revolutionary morning programme Breakfast Visit the self-help section on Amazon or Time which has just celebrated its 30th browse the shelves of your local bookshop

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There are three key ingredients to human happiness: meaning, hope and purpose

nowadays and you will find hundreds of more, with a diminishing sense of return. books that promise to improve your life in “Thanks to the internet, there’s never been any number of ways. more self-help out there, but we still don’t appear greatly helped by it. As we pay out You can read, among other things, about the yet again for the ‘next great thing’ in popular secrets to daily joy and lasting fulfilment, psychology, are we simply more credulous how to find career success, supposedly these days, hopelessly immune to the simple steps to emotional healing and how genuine truths we’re being offered - or just Scrambled eggs and bacon © Tamorlan, Wikipedia to stop worry and anxiety from ruining your missing the point?” relationships. As Van Cutsem points out, it’s certainly a Little wonder, then, that such books sell in profitable business, worth billions globally, It’s Third, it helps to view ourselves as strong huge numbers – and sell fast, particularly and one untouched by the recession. protagonists who set our own goals and during an economic downturn. While UK Indeed, recession is grist to its mill. For just certainly make progress toward them. In other words, book sales were down recently by 1 per as some reach for chocolate when times are to have a sense of purpose. cent overall, sales of self-help books for the hard, others reach for the latest self-help a profitable same period soared by 25 per cent. In gurus like James Arthur Ray. The good news is that there are still Britain alone, it’s estimated that the cult of business, relatively simple exercises any of us can do self-help has earned publishers some He wants to bring you wealth beyond your worth billions to shape our views in these directions. One 72 million euros in the past five years. In the wildest dreams. Not just any kind of wealth, such exercise is Bikram yoga which is a US, the self-help market is worth more than either - ‘harmonic wealth’. So you get gold- globally complete system of wellness, restoration 12 billion euros a year. plated relationships, 24-carat sex, a richer and rejuvenation. mind, a priceless glow of spiritual But just how honourable is the self-help wellbeing... and yes, pots of money, too. Brussels-based fitness fan Ruth Marsden industry? It demands you buy book after said, “Bringing Bikram yoga into your life book while arguably leaving you more ‘Get ready!’ says Ray in his slick ingredients to human happiness: meaning, cleanses the body and calms the mind. The restless and dissatisfied than you were promotional video. ‘Because everything in hope, and purpose. For us to feel truly studio is HOT (over 100 °F) but this is to before. your life is about to change.’ Really? I mean, content we need a spiritual and ethical facilitate deeper stretching, prevent injury, it all sounds wonderful, but should we framework – be it religious or otherwise – relieve stress and tension and to detoxify It could be said that all those bookshelves believe him? Or are we better marking him that gives us an understanding of our place the body.” heaving with self-help tomes promise the and his kind down as yet another false in the world, in a way that allows us to make earth but deliver rather less. prophet in a self-help industry populated by sense of why bad things sometimes occur. Liverpudlian Ruth, aged 27, adds, “Bikram chancers who over-promise and under- Second, it helps to be optimistic – not yoga was designed to systematically Brussels-based psychologist Dirk Van deliver? because positive thoughts magically attract stimulate and restore health to every Cutsem says, “It is hard not to compare the things to us, but because optimistic people muscle, joint and organ of the body. modern-day self-help cult with the pathology If so, what will really make us happy? cope better with adversity. Participants are guided through a series of of drug addiction: the constant need for Research reveals there are three key 26 postures, each increasing in physical

28 I togethermag.eu togethermag.eu I 29 Personal development

It opens windows on our particular genius

challenge. The body is flushed of toxins, some simple steps that will help keep you leaving a deep sense of relaxation and on track without feeling guilty. British author well-being.” Hilly Janes has written, yes another, self help book called Latte or Cappuccino? 125 Like any industry, self-help has its poor Decisions That Will Change Your Life which products and its good ones. Poor self-help proposes a number of simple steps that will material plays on greed, laziness and help keep you on track without feeling guilty. vanity: ‘Instant everything now!’ For those who, like me, remain rather Good self-help, on the other hand, tells us baffled by the massive growth in the self- not what we want to hear, but what we need help industry, you will be glad to hear that to hear – that is, the truth of who we are. the good old British breakfast is on her list. Like the best doctors, it gives us a correct Janes says that a rasher of back bacon, a diagnosis; it opens windows on our tomato, some mushrooms and egg particular genius, but also frees us to (scrambled or poached) is a more nutritious, accept failure - for only the cracked let in more filling option than fat and sugar-laden light. “Continental” pastries, juice and lattes.

Preachy healthy lifestyle advice often seems Wonder what the Green Goddess would to take the joy out of living, but there are still make of that!

30 I togethermag.eu Personal development Beating the winter blues The long nights and short days of winter are still with us and Christmas is a faint Unlocking the mystery of the winter memory. Many people report feeling low and blues is no easy feat. Suzette Reid lacking energy during January and February. NHS estimates say that one in fifteen British explains people has some level of winter depression and that for some people this can be given the diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder A lunch time (SAD). Other symptoms include overeating, a reluctance to go out and join in social events, walk is an disturbed sleep patterns and reduced libido. excellent way to There are a number of theories about why combat the blues we get winter blues. Lower levels of natural daylight during the winter months have an effect on our hormone levels, particularly serotonin and melatonin and this affects our body clock and can lead to low mood light for a period of time each day can help and lethargy. SAD has some clear links to regulate the body clock. However, there are geography – in our hemisphere the further many different specialist light box models and north we live the less light we have in winter each individual needs to check what they might and the further north the country is the higher need. Sunlamps or boxes aren’t suitable. the likelihood of depression. Studies show younger people, 18-30 year olds, are more There is some evidence that indicates that likely to get the winter blues and women are supplements that boost vitamin D intake can be three times more likely than men, although helpful. Talking therapies such as counselling some doctors believe that men are less likely can help and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to admit to the condition. However, there are models can provide support. things we can do to support ourselves through the winter blues. It is part of human nature to hunker down in winter, but it is only in recent generations that Make the most of the daylight and try to get we have expected ourselves to continue to out on bright sunny days. Exercise is also work at full stretch throughout the year. Working important and a lunch time walk is an excellent long hours isn’t the same as being productive, way to combat the blues. Most people have to so take stock of how well you work as well as wake up at the same time throughout the year how long you are working for. and in winter are waking up in darkness and leaving work in darkness so this may be easier Winter brings lessons for us on how to slow said than done for those with busy jobs and down and to be patient. The light is coming long working hours but finding time for light back and as the days lengthen most people and exercise in the winter is as important as start to feel better. Those who have suffered healthy eating and sleeping well. from SAD may experience a sudden short period of hyperactivity before they stabilize, Light therapy has been shown to be effective but for others there is a gradual return to for many SAD sufferers. Exposure to intense feeling normal.

togethermag.eu I 33 Personal development

With the meteoric rise of consumers buying smartphones and tablets, internet banking is getting ever more widespread. Modern active adults do almost everything with their smartphone and they use many banking services online.

In order to have full access to all the services of your bank online, often a computer or tablet is still required. For making money transfers or doing other transactions online, typically an extra security device is needed: most common is the card reader plus your bank card or the digipass. Online savings banks may content themselves with an identification Your number and a password, whilst sending you an extra security code on your mobile phone when you do a money bank transfer. However, internet banking is not limited in to computers anymore; the number of banking apps on smartphones and tablets is rising fast. Those apps typically your do not yet give you full access to all the online banking services of your bank, but they already allow you to see detailed information of the transactions and the balances on your various bank accounts and credit cards. Most banking apps Dave Deruytter praises internet also allow you to do transactions between your own bank accounts or banking but with a few caveats transfers to predefined accounts of other people or companies.

For example, you will be able to put some of your excess cash on your savings

togethermag.eu I 35 Personal

development You basically have your bank in account with the same bank and you may be able to pay your utility bills if you have your pocket predefined the bank accounts numbers of those utility companies in your full internet banking system with the same bank.

Some banks, particularly new banks, sorts, but there are also more advanced have ‘internet only’ services: no brick and scams designed to find your banking mortar branches, everything online, partly details and passwords. Hackers copy the supported by e-mail or phone services in internet websites of banks to get access to a call centre. your private details including passwords and the security codes from your internet Great stuff! You basically have your bank security devices. They also send in your pocket even when traveling the misleading e-mails, seemingly from your globe. bank, to check or confirm your security details (known as phishing). Other crooks Cash stays a point of attention though. try the same by calling you on the phone. Credit and debit cards are still a ‘must have’ for payments in shops or when Do not be fooled, your bank will never ask traveling. Yet technology is developing you for your (security) details. Essentially, fast: soon you will be able to sweep your banks will not ask you things they already smartphone before a scanner, key in a know about you. Furthermore, if the screen certain code, and your purchase is paid you see on your computer, or on another for or cash comes out of the ATM. It is all a internet enabled device, looks suspicious or asks you to sign a money transfer you did not key in, do not continue. Last but not least, always make sure that you have Make sure up-to-date antivirus software on your computer. Dealing with money requires that you have precaution, and it is no different now that up-to-date we are living in the smartphone era. antivirus In the future, online banking services can only increase. Be ready to embrace that software evolution, but always be cautious whilst being exposed via the internet to the whole world and its more than seven billion people. question of getting your bank or credit card details onto Banking is getting ever easier in the your phone’s (micro) SIM online era, but with it comes the card in a secure manner. risk that users would become too sure of themselves, The internet is cheap and losing the necessary belongs to ‘everybody’. That precautionary is essentially good, but reflexes that will ‘everybody’ also means the ‘bad always be needed guys’. Indeed, with the astronomic rise of when your money is internet use comes the increase in the involved. abuse of other people’s data: viruses of all Dave Deruytter

SIM card © Zephyris/Wikipedia 36 I togethermag.eu Personal development Gay marriage: Till prejudice do us part?

I’d never have guessed it would be France. Given that this was the country in which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was inaugurated in Paris, 1948, and which had as its obvious precursor the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, the fundamental document of the French Revolution that was approved by the National Constituent Assembly of France in 1789, the news that around 70,000 protesters mobilized in November 2012 against French President Francois Hollande‘s plan to legalize gay marriage, came as a complete revelation (and an unhappy one, at that) to this commentator.

Ideally, state and church should be a ‘never- the-twain’ set-up but, on the other hand, it is perhaps not surprising that certain religious leaders in France have once again jumped onto the anti-gay bandwagon. Hollande’s proposal (approved by his Socialist government, but facing opposition from more than 1,000 French mayors and the Catholic Church (now there’s a shock)) would guarantee the rights of same-sex married couples to adopt, which has issued a clear invitation to ill-informed anti-gays to cite their favourite chestnuts, namely ‘it’s against God!’ or ‘it’s against nature!’. While

togethermag.eu I 39 Personal development

pressed his opposition to gay marriage in 4. Liberty consists in the freedom to do his Christmas address, saying that no less everything which injures no one else; than the future of mankind was at stake. The hence the exercise of the natural rights Pope denounced what he described as of each man has no limits except those people manipulating their God-given which assure to the other members of identities to suit their sexual choices – and the society the enjoyment of the same destroying the very “essence of the human rights. These limits can only be creature in the process”. determined by law.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH And in conclusion, sir, you may well find that Seriously, could these people maybe get the legislation will come to mean the end of real and join the right-thinking denizens of ignorance, the end of exclusion and the end the 21st century? For myself, I will happily of injustice as far as the acceptance of accept any accusations of jumping on the human relationships is concerned in your pro-gay bandwagon, being right-on or country. perhaps just wanting to really irritate Daily Mail readers. I care not; similarly, I James Drew absolutely care not as to what consenting adults do in the privacy of their own homes and their own emotional lives, so long as it is consensual and no-one is hurt.

Happy, stable heterosexual parenting is obviously to be encouraged but, given that western society has only recently even several European nations, including Sweden granted the same-sex couples the right to and the UK, allow gay adoption, at present be recognized as parents, how can any only married couples – not civil union serious research have been undertaken as partners – can adopt in France. to whether gay parents are any worse or, for that matter, better than straight couples? One protestor, Marthe Vignault, told the BBC: “A child needs a father and a mother, And, quite frankly, no purpose whatsover is he needs the paternal and the maternal served by fear-mongering over the issue, of side, and with this bill that might not be the kind recently expounded by Serge possible any more. That’s the way it is and Dassault, an opposition senator in France’s we can’t go against nature.” And, displaying conservative UMP, who said: “It’s the end of a similar level of understanding and the family, the end of children’s humanity that we have of course now come development, the end of education – it’s an to expect from the Roman Catholic Church, enormous danger to the nation.” the head of the French Council of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois, I beg to differ, Monsieur Dassault – first, I described gay marriage as “the ultimate would draw your attention to Article 4 of the deceit”. But, then again, can he really be Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the blamed for following the example of his Citizen Liberty, which your citizens of yore spiritual leader, Pope Benedict XVI, who has had the good sense to enshrine, namely:

40 I togethermag.eu togethermag.eu I 41 food of love

Love doesn’t grow on trees - Joyce Cary f o d f o o d of love of love

It’s Paul Morris and Emma Portier Davis find themselves on “If music be the food of love, play on.” devoted a whole chapter to foods that food, opposite sides of the divide. Firstly, Duke Orsino, Twelfth Night by William stimulate attraction. This ancient Indian text, Shakespeare which means a treatise on pleasure, was, Emma explains why food is the after all, all about couples leading the good stupid greatest aphrodisiac of all… Pfff to Shakespeare with his Bohemian life. notions of wooing with music. Give me oysters, fine wine (technically a foodstuff, Primeval instinct right?) and chocolates any day of the week Aside from the chemical effects of food on for the way to the heart may be thronged with our libido, we quite simply need food and a singing minstrels but it’s paved with wooer would be wise to show his or her nourishment for the body and soul: food. ability to provide it. As sex bomb Marilyn Monroe put it: “When you don’t have any money, food is the problem. When you have For centuries, certain foods have been money, it’s sex.” famed as aphrodisiacs not least of which oysters. And while sceptics say it’s Mercenary she may be but even Jane psychosomatic, recent research shows that Austen’s Elizabeth Bennet, famed for her they contain a potent cocktail of amino acids simplicity and lofty ideals, would surely not that boost sex hormones as well as high have fallen quite so ardently for Fitzwilliam levels of zinc which aids sperm production. Darcy had he not owned half of Derbyshire. Even his rival Wickham was hardly a Chocolate meanwhile increases serotin – the penniless busker. happy hormone – and 2007 research by the University of Sussex found that couples who One’s early forays into the world of dating melted chocolate in their mouths and then were probably characterised by cinema trips kissed passionately experienced a longer and a trip to a certain fast-food joint for fries lasting buzz. Sustained higher heart rates and a burger if you were lucky. Many such were seen in both women and men. young suitors have been passed over by an older, more affluent rival who could provide And if science has yet to convince you, the more lavish culinary treats. ultimate guide to love, the Kama Sutra,

44 I togethermag.eu togethermag.eu I 45 f o o d of love

with candles flickering while you linger over a A romantic feast, that speaks volumes in a way all the dinner allows music in the world cannot. Perhaps it’s just because you have a chance to talk without you to show off all that background noise.

a bit. “Eating together is hugely important. It’s the whole ritual and an experience that you can share. It’s also a polite and charming way to show your interest,” says Belgian-based As adults, while many succumb to the charm chef Alex Weston, owner of catering of the artist who shuns materialism in favour company LaBritannique. of finer goals, when it comes to choosing a partner, the ability to provide goes a long “A romantic dinner allows you to show off a way. Music may thrill the soul but it won’t put bit. It also gives you the chance for more shoes on your children’s feet. intimacy and time with someone to really get to know them. Food can also be suggestive This primeval desire for food is core to our – although it shouldn’t be crude – and a few being. Without food to sustain us, we cannot drinks always helps,” he adds. achieve any other desires in life. In the words of Tanner in George Bernard Shaw’s Man Music may provide some of the trappings of and Superman: “There is no love sincerer romance but did it ease the heartache of the than the love of food.” woebegone Duke Orsino in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night? His eventual wife, the pragmatic Viola would probably have told The perfect date On to a more romantic note, savouring a fine him to tuck into the banquet and enjoy the meal is a luxury these days. Smartphones music at the same time. and social networking sites have all but killed the art of communication. A dinner for two is See Alex Weston’s culinary suggestions for the perfect setting for lovers to enjoy a real St Valentine’s on page 90 and win a meal for connection without the buzz of our two. increasingly digital environment.

There’s just something about gazing at your lover across a beautifully laid table, perhaps

The humble strawberry has hidden powers The Kama Sutra devoted a whole chapter to foods that stimulate attraction

46 I togethermag.eu f o o d of love

It tugs at the heart strings, Love How can one argue with the Bard: the food (even with a free grappa on the house) has plucked by of love is, of course, music. The aphrodisiac made its way through the digestive system is no more than an urban myth, passed down and been flushed out to sea. Whereas, music some unknown the music through the centuries by peddlers of dubious can soothe the soul of even the most savage force food stuffs they couldn’t shift at market. Take of beasts and excite it in equal measure. Paul Morris agrees wholeheartedly the oyster, it’s nothing more than an over- with the Bard: the music has it rated bivalve mollusc – and slithery to boot. It’s a powerful weapon. In courts of old young As for chocolates they soon melt in the mouth ladies and gentlemen were not drawn and are gone, like gossamer. And that’s what inexorably towards the portly chef standing at I am on about: these aphrodisiacs have no a table heaving with victuals. No, all eyes and staying power. ears were on the wandering minstrel, the mysterious troubadour with his fiddle tucked The effects of aphrodisiacal foods are based under his chin. There were times when the on the principle of ‘sympathetic magic’ – minstrel had barely struck up the opening it has been claimed that the shape of it is key chords than some young couple were to its so-called source of power, not the booking a function room and informing their substance of it. It has no substance. It’s all families that nuptials would have to be smoke and mirrors, reminding us of the rude announced by the town crier at once. shapes that forced a nervous giggle in our adolescence. This hocus pocus is no match In more recent times, women have been for the gentle strains of a violin or a piano known to faint on hearing the dulcet tones played by a prodigy. of a Caruso, a Sinatra or even a Robbie Williams. Frank offered them a chance to Although fish and chips might well be some come fly with him, Enrico serenaded them folks’ idea of the perfect meal and a culinary with Vesti la giubba (and no, Emma Portier trigger for a romantic evening, it’s entirely Davis, that is not a pasta you can add to your natural that on St Valentine’s night couples list of aphrodisiacs) and Robbie... well, he flock to the corners of candle-lit restaurants sang while he was winning. Rare are the to stick their noses in the trough and knock women who have had to be revived by back copious amounts of red wine. But it smelling salts having come face to face with doesn’t start to get intimate without music a baked Alaska. playing – albeit softly – in the background. It tugs at the heart strings, plucked by some While Rome was burning, Nero did not seek Ole blue eyes Gottlieb collection unknown force, especially when the radio or out the nearest canapé, he reached for his an orchestra is playing ‘our song’ – somewhat lyre and played a tune dedicated to the city more romantic than ‘Oooo, our favourite he so loved (the fact that he may have set fire vegetable curry, lass’. to it is neither here nor there). And Chopin did All eyes and not offer his beloved George Sand a string of Offer your Valentine partner all the red wine Polish sausages but rather took to the ivories ears were on you like but music has it over a barrel. In and knocked off a sonata. the wandering Some Like It Hot Jack Lemmon’s character (disguised as Daphne the bull fiddle player) On a more serious note, in his TV series Alan minstrel was so affected by the blindfolded Yentob investigated the emotional power of music. In one scene Alzheimer’s cases were orchestra’s performance of a nifty rumba that he agreed to marry his millionaire encouraged to move for the first time in dancing partner on the spot. a long time and even dance a little when played or sung music from their past, their Songs and tunes stick in our heads and in feet tapping gently to the kind of memory that our hearts long after a three-course meal just won’t go away. A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Henry Fuseli 48 I togethermag.eu togethermag.eu I 49 f o o d right / Suit Sonia Rykiel / Jewellery Patrizia Pepe of love Spring lover

I Photographer Aylen Torres

I Stylist Nicholas Sirot

I Make up artist David Bettega for Yves Saint Laurent And l’Oréal professional Paris

I Models Hanna: agency: BE model management

left / Shirt Diane von Fürstenberg / Trousers Christian Wijnants / Shoes Sam Edelman / Bracelet Nicoocin togethermag.eu50 I togethermag.eu I 50 togethermag.eu I 51 f o o d right / Body La perla of love

left / Dress Sonia Rykiel / Platform shoes Mellow Yellow togethermag.eu I 52 togethermag.eu I 53 f o o d right / Denim suit Christian Wijnants / Jewellery Just So of love

left / Top Comptoir des cotonniers / Shorts Marc by Marc Jacobs / Vest Pinko / HandBag Marc by Marc Jacobs / Watch Nicoocin togethermag.eu I 54 togethermag.eu I 55 f o o d left and right / Dress Paule Ka / Socks Filippa K / Shoes Diesel of love

togethermag.eu56 I togethermag.eu I 56 togethermag.eu I 57 f o o d left and right / Suit Gérard Darel / Bracelets Calvin Klein of love

togethermag.eu I 58 togethermag.eu I 59 f o o d of love Amber for her... The Fragrance Gucci Guilty Black for her of Love by Delphine Stefens A new sensual mix of lilacs and violets with notes of delicious red fruit, juicy Wood for him... peach, audacious pink pepper with patchouli and amber. EDT €71/50ML

Terre d’Hermès for him

This vegetal and mineral perfume with notes of citrus and a hint of shiso dominated by warm woods will © Giorgio Armani Marry Me! never cease to amaze. by Lanvin for her EDP €90/75ML

© Chanel A feminine and optimistic mix of bitter orange, sweet peach, The Game by Chance Eau Tendre delicate jasmine and rose petals Davidoff for him Hair Mist by Chanel for her with warm amber and musk. EDP €60/50ML A new elegant scent with This mist will not dry out your notes of gin and juniper hair but wrap you in fruity-floral berries, iris and precious tenderness with white musk and woods and ebony wood amber notes. in particular. €40,50/35ML EDT€54.50/60ML

Hugo Red by Hugo Boss for him

Fresh citrusy and rhubarb notes blend with warm cedar wood and amber for this new hot and cold metallic accord. EDT €52/75ML

60 I togethermag.eu togethermag.eu I 61 f o o d of love The Look Lip Maestro Rose 502 by Giorgio Armani** €30 of Love This newcomer comes in 12 shades, gives more shine than a lipstick and For red lips in the pink, start by applying a is more than a gloss; it’s a very light little foundation on your lips. Slightly correct and non-sticky velvety gel formula with a luminous or enhance the shape of your lips by matte finish with a very user-friendly outlining them with a well-sharpened lip applicator for pencil that will also prevent bleeding. For easy touch-ups. extra long wear, also use your lip liner as a base under your lipstick. Pink or red, matte or shiny, strong lips is the look of love.

Sheer Lip Gloss By Bobbi Brown*** €24

New and limited edition shades Cherry and Pretty in Pink that can be worn on their own or on top of your favorite lipstick for extra shine.

58 Rubellite lip pencil by Chanel €22 Rouge Eclat Juicy Clementine by Clarins €23,50

A new anti-aging lipstick that Baume In Love nourishes and protects your lips while 110 Rose Macaron by boosting collagen production and Lancôme €30 fighting fine lines with mimosa, jojoba, and sunflower wax and cacao extract. This limited edition lip Your lips not only look but taste like balm with Shea butter is luscious red fruit with a hint of cassis. available in fuchsia, coral, purple and pink; it brings comfort and moisture to your lips while enhancing their natural color for a pop Lasting Sensation lip pencil* by MAC €14 and fresh day makeup.

* Exclusively available online at maccosmetics.be ** Exclusively available at Galleria Inno and Parfuma; see inno.be and parfuma.com for locations and online shop *** See bobbibrowncosmetics.com, smets.lu, cosmeticary.com 62 I togethermag.eu and parfuma.com for locations and web stores f o o d of love Give her... Gifts for lovers Love is in the air... and in the wallet or purse. Here is a selection of gifts guaranteed to turn heads

Swarovski sensible necklace A bold, modern, and innovative interpretation of the heart, a classic motif ; €129

Zanotti ring Available from Chez Tollet Joailliers. €3950

Tiffany bangle The ‘Yours’ bangle from the house of Tiffany POD

Kipling bag Kipling new carry-all, inspired by the futuristic scuba fabrics of the catwalks. €169.90

togethermag.eu I 65 f o o d f o o d of love of love Give him…

Hardrock earrings By Casa Gi at la Maison du Diamant, Brussels €3,625 ToyWatch From ToyWatch and Carrera Italia Independent, y Carrera founded by Lapo Elkann, snake pendant limited edition. €247 or... The Year of the Snake: Meticulous Diamond creative work and floral extraordinary talent rings when it comes to From la Maison carving gold. POD du Diamant, Jeanrichard 1681 Brussels. POD watch ... splash out €5,600 on this classic.

Ring Quatre Black Edition by Boucheron BoghArt Classy little number. €2,660 From the Swiss master jewellers, now at Conrad, Brussels.

La Perla Jean Paul Gaultier pour La Perla. €650

Dolce&Gabbana Pour Homme Simplicity is the key to this new fragrance. GUCCI-cufflinks €45 - €79 Malice in Wonderland With the unmistakeable More info Gucci motif. €190 www.maliceinwonderland.be. €194

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Wool Mug with Society a message scarf From Keep him Home-Autour-Du-Monde. warm. €135 €12

to share …

Debailleul Confidence Heart From Rob Gourmets’ Supermarket. €13.80

© Keld Gydum

ECLIPSE: 1 billion dollars. If you’re ship has just come in, there’s only one item to buy your loved one – a billion dollar yacht. Eclipse, owned by Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich, is 163.5 metres long, the world’s largest private yacht. It boasts two helicopter pads, 24 guest cabins, two swimming pools, several hot tubs and a disco hall. It is also equipped with three launch boats and a mini-submarine that is capable of submerging to 50 metres... and a German-built missile defence system.

68 I togethermag.eu f o o d f o o d of love of love

© Audi © Audi Car enthusiasts head for the far north to try out their driving skills... on ice

provides you with a wide range of classic During the trip you might need a break from driving and safety training courses, from the the nausea of the constant sliding. Take a trek Audi Ice: Compact to the Executive Driver Pro training. with the sledge pulled by huskies or put a dent in your carbon footprint by taking to the A fleet of carefully valeted and maintained snowmobiles. Of course, Arjeplog is also a ski training vehicles is provided by a skilled resort but there are so many more exceptional A 7km skid service team to guarantee a high degree of things to do than just ski. latest models through intensive tests during safety. And you get to try out the very latest the winter months. It’s not uncommon to spot models in the Audi range, including the Audi It’s not everyone’s idea of a holiday but for Arjeplog is situated in the far north of a few prying paparazzi out there to get a peek S5 Sportback and the Audi A8 4.2 TDI lovers of four wheels it’s an opportunity to Sweden, just a couple of hundred kilometres at the latest models and perhaps get a scoop quattro. hone your potential as a driver by improving south of the north Polar circle, where on manufacturers’ best-kept car secrets. your personal driving technique and get a temperatures can fall as low as minus 40 If you take this exhilarating trip in at times kick out of it at the same time. degrees – it makes Belgium winters suddenly awe-inspiring landscapes you will wonder if feel tropical. It is famous for an innovative 7 km is the length of the circuits on the all those new driving skills will actually be You can find all the information you need to move to arrest depopulation by offering municipality’s frozen lakes. During your stay in useful when you get back to Belgium’s icy book your trip by going to the Audi website families up to 100,000 kronor ($16,000) to bitterly cold weather, the Audi team drivers roads. You may well attempt to send the car and use the search box for the Audi Driving move into the area. will teach you how to skid, steer, counter into a drift again just to relive the pleasure you experience section. steer, stabilize, drift, control your skids and felt during your trip. The only problem is that Located on a large lake plateau it is also ‘catch’ the car when it does go into an you will no longer have the snow walls to famous as a place car manufacturers put their uncontrolled slide. The training experience catch you if you over-steer. www.audi.com

70 I togethermag.eu togethermag.eu I 71 life of leisure

The House of Dancing Water. Dragone designed this permanent show in

© FDEG 72 I togethermag.eu togethermag.eu I 73 shinelife of ale lighisuret

1952: Franco Dragone was born in the town of Cairano in the sparsely populated province of Avellino, in southern . 1959: Family moves to La Louvière in French- speaking Belgium. 1970s: Studied theatre at the Belgian Royal Conservatory of . His early work interpreted true stories of the disadvantaged, with non-actors sharing in the shows. 1980s: Came to , Canada, where Guy Caron, director of the National School, invited him to conduct workshops with the students and teachers at his school. Asked to join Cirque du Soleil’s team as creator. 1985 - 1998: Directed almost all of Cirque du Soleil’s most prestigious shows and played a significant role in developing Cirque du Soleil’s distinctive merging of theatre and circus performance. Reputation grew with the production of trance-like non- traditional circus productions such as Franco Dragone Nouvelle Expérience and . © Franco Dragone Entertainment Group TIMELINE FRANCO DRAGONE

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Directed and introduced the cutting-edge Cirque du Soleil production Mystère at the The art of Treasure Island Hotel in , Nevada. Mystère helped to change the nature of production shows in Las Vegas. Around the world, more than 40 million Fr a nco people have now seen Dragone’s creations. Directed Cirque du Soleil’s first motion picture,Alegría - An Enchanting Fable. Dragone 1999: Federico Grandesso speaks Post Cirque du Soleil, directed the music exclusively to prolific Belgian video for ’s song “Adagio”. show director Franco Dragone

2000: Mr. Dragone, you were artistic all manner of things, stories come out of the Formed Dragone Entertainment Group, director of Cirque du Soleil darkness, from the forests, and all those based in his hometown of La Louvière from 1985 to 1998 and have shadows fire the imagination. in Belgium. created so many amazing shows. Where do you get your I was born in Italy then I moved to Belgium inspiration? when I was only seven years old so Italy 2003: It all started when I was a young boy who was quickly no more than a vague memory Created a new live show, A New Day just wanted to have fun but I did everything for me. I didn’t really know anything about starring Céline Dion at , in such a way that I learned something Italy and I got to know this beautiful country Las Vegas. and I quickly found out knowledge equals (Belgium) thanks to my parents. pleasure. I still like to play like a child 2005: because it’s only through the eyes of a I learned to speak Italian by reading His fourth production, child that you get to see the world in magazines, and I learned Italian songs Le Rêve at the . another way – then I like to transform it and from my mother and father but I didn’t have find the beauty in it. the burden of its history on me – this allowed me to revisit the history of Italy 2010: I have always found it amazing to mix the in my own way. Sometimes Italians are In charge of the opening ceremony for the live performance of a huge number of scarred by this massive history and heavy 2010 in Medellín, actors with the incredible possibilities cultural past. In the end, Italy is inside me, , drawing on Medellin’s culture, technology can offer now, especially in in my heart and in my music. business and geography. terms of light and sound. Contortion, Cirque du Soleil What was the turning point In what ways do Belgium and 2010-2011: © OSA Images Directed Macau-based show Italy inspire you? The House Belgium gave me the possibility to add , with over 70 artists from I like the of Dancing Water nuances to my colours – I like the sadness around the globe, including many he had of Antwerp, in recognition of his body of Belgium, you know, the way Jacques worked with at Cirque du Soleil. sadness of of theatre work. Brel talks about the sky in Belgium in his books, for example. Another interesting Belgium, you 2012: 2013: element for me is a kind of modesty and know Awarded the doctor honoris causa Lately, he has been tipped to stage humility you can find in Belgium. I love this degree for general merits by the University the opening and closing ceremonies time of the year here when the sky is very of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil... low and you feel the fog and you imagine

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I learned Italian songs from my mother and father

of your long career? It was when I was ten years old and my father gave me an accordion as a present, or maybe when I decided to leave the traditional work I was doing and try a new adventure – that’s when I left Belgium for Montreal. Then I came back and went to . All these travel moments are turning points but if somebody asks me what is your favourite show? I always answer, “It’s Les Cons, Cirque du Soleil the next one.” © Cirque du Soleil

During your career you had the theatres in China over the next five years, opportunity to work with Celine then one show in Indonesia, one theatre Dion. What was that like? With Celine, I didn’t really expect to meet show in but the most urgent one, and an artist at such a high level – she helped I’m now working hard on it, will take place me a lot because she came to my office in in in February. La Louviére and it made it easier for me to do something that would normally have I have also launched a casting call in taken years. So bringing her to Belgium Belgium for people who want to be in my made my job easier. I will always be shows and we have created an internet site. grateful to her, our collaboration was I would like to work with non-actors and fantastic. We launched a new kind of show normal people from the street. I come from entitled A New Day, which was presented at the theatre with non-professional actors the Caesar’s Palace, and it’s now very – I’m going back to my roots. popular in Las Vegas.

Can you tell me something about your future projects? At the moment we are doing both small and For the big big shows. For the big shows I always need large venues because I need a lot of shows I always space. To give you some idea, for my show in Macao entitled The House of Dancing need large Water I was working with 70 artists from all venues over the world, and the central stage had a diameter of almost 25 metres. Our future plans include five shows in five

78 I togethermag.eu life of life of leisure leisure Indonesia: Batam and Bintan some of the best beaches on the island. Kick back Federico Grandesso offers some and enjoy the relaxing practical tips for visiting two very atmosphere in a typical wooden bungalow in different islands luxurious sea resorts such as Turi Beach, Nongsa Point Marina and If you are tired of Bali, try the Indonesian Nongsa Village. And if islands of Batam and Bintan – they are two you’re the golfing type, faces of the same coin, offering either a quiet the Tamarin Santana Golf luxury beach or a more vibrant night spot. Club is the perfect spot. They are easily reachable from Singapore by the frequent ferry boat, with a journey time of On the other hand, if a 45 minutes. very exclusive, romantic haven is what’s called for Batam is popular among Singaporean and then look no further than island, take a night mangrove tour and ride Chinese tourists. So if you want to avoid the Lagoi Resort in the into a mesmerizing cloud of glowing fireflies. Westerners this is the perfect spot to rub northern part of Bintan Island. And good seafood can be found too in the Bintan was conceived as the shoulders with the locals. Batam offers luxury village of Sebung, again with restaurants also luxury alternative to Bali, and but is still affordable. In Harbour Bay you can built in the ‘Kelong’ style (wooden platforms you will find the best beaches choose the stunning ship-shaped Pacific above the water). Get up close and personal in the Riau Islands. There’s Hotel or the modern and comfortable Novotel. with Indonesian culture by exploring the plenty of choice when it traditional ‘Kampung’ (local villages) of Sri There are various shopping malls but if you comes to resorts, among Bintan and get a glimpse of the daily lives of want a more local flavour, smell the fine them Bintan Spa Villa Beach, the friendly villagers. spices of Indonesia at the traditional old Club Med and Angsana. market which is not far from the Pacific Hotel. Active folks can sample the water sports: jet skiing, wind Climate wise, the period between October to If seafood’s your thing, try the award-winning and kite surfing, snorkeling March is northern monsoon season with more Golden Prawn Restaurant which was built on and diving. rainfall and stronger winds, but the weather is the waterside. But the dining options are generally sunny all year around. Life is still endless in Batam because Indonesian people or Mie Goreng with a delicious mango juice Away from the resorts there is a beach simpler and slower here and it can’t fail to love to eat out – a dish of typical Nasi Goreng will set you back around three euros. alternative on the east coast, the isolated help you leave all that stress behind. Enjoy! pearl called Trikora. You can get there by taxi If you’ve had enough of the local fare, or the occasional bus from Tanjung Pinang. Bintan was Restaurant Bella Italia in harbour bay offers The island’s main town is the charming an excellent western alternative. It boasts the Tanjung Pinang, offering a taste of the The dining conceived as only wood oven in Batam and the pizza is fisherman’s life in a paradise rich in marine fantastic, but they also serve up pasta, meat options are the luxury life. A large section of part of town was built in and marvellous fish dishes. After a good traditional manner, on stilts above the water. endless in alternative to dinner, you will be ready for Batam’s exciting Another important little town to discover is nightlife in the various karaoke bars, pubs and Tanjung Uban, with its beautiful boardwalk Batam discos, again all at reasonable prices. Bali called “Pelantar” and its houses, hotels and restaurants perched over the sea. Leave the noise of the city behind and head for the seaside village of Nongsa, which has To really appreciate the stunning flora of the

80 I togethermag.eu togethermag.eu I 81 life of leisure Some Day my Prints Will Come Colin Moors embraces a revolutionary new technology

The implications of its rise in popularity may not appear obvious when taken at face value but it really could turn the entire manufacturing world upside down. Additive Manufacturing is also known as ‘printing’ because the process of taking a concept on a computer screen and making it a reality could be similar in execution to something as simple as printing the monthly accounts from a spreadsheet. Of course, the technology behind it is a little more complicated,

© ALoopingIcon/Wikipedia

Some more expensive machines can use multiple materials

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Infringements would need to centre console for your car could be as be fought using simple as loading the machine with raw patent law materials and downloading a 3D diagram from the internet. This last part may seem fairly innocuous, simply downloading a plan of an object but it’s this that has got lawyers and manufacturers hot under the up a picture by passing across a page collar. thousands of times, a 3D printer will split a 3D drawing into layers and recreate them Industry as a whole is slow to react to using very thin layers of material (around emerging technology as we have seen in 0.1mm thick) which are then burned solid the efforts of the Motion Picture with a laser. The materials used can vary Association of America (MPAA) and the widely although plastics, resin and metals Recording Industry Association of America are the most common. Some more (RIAA) in their efforts to prevent the illegal expensive machines can use multiple copy, downloading and distribution of materials, creating complex functional music and films. If you can’t find illegal components in a single pass. music and video files on the internet, you probably aren’t really trying, as this “Surely, this is a good thing” is what most method of discovering new music is like would think. They would for the most part the old-time record shops used to be, only be correct. The process can speed up free. At odds with their failure to embrace manufacturing and cut costs for technology until it was too late, the RIAA © Portabee3dprinter.com manufacturers. The real issue is not and MPAA find themselves fighting necessarily what it can do and for whom against what is now a social norm. but the simplicity of the process. Once it becomes commonplace, it could quickly The problem, or advantage, with 3D © Portabee3dprinter.com become problematic. printing is that it is going to be very difficult to legislate against without a raft of new Any of you who bought a flat screen laws. Copyright law would be brought to monitor in the 1990s would have noticed bear on those copying films and music, the supply-and-demand principle at work whereas 3D printing infringements would by now. An LCD display costing €15,000 need to be fought using patent law. in 1996 could be replaced today by Copyright usually lasts for the life of the something five times bigger for less than a work’s author plus 70 years (US and but for the end user, it’s just a case of tenth of the price. 3D printers have come Belgium) whereas patents only last for pressing a button and awaiting the output. down in price on a similarly exponential 20 years. This means that Lego, Airfix The one difference is that instead of a level and in less time. The Portabee many other childhood favourites could picture of, say, a replacement gear (portabee3dprinter.com) is currently on all be legally copied. Worse still for assembly for a vacuum cleaner, you end sale for around $500 retail, a significant manufacturers, patents usually only apply up with the object itself. The output of saving compared to the slightly less to completed objects or machines, so if these machines is not simply a model but economical 20 or 30 thousand dollars the you wanted to make that centre console a functional item. average mid-range 3D machine cost for your car you could technically do so around three years ago. without fear of prosecution. There’s a new The printing analogy is useful in explaining genie about to emerge from the bottle and the process to non-scientists and it is With low-end machines available for less industry is yet again lagging behind the surprisingly simple in execution. In much than the price of a decent laptop, making bedroom hobbyists in embracing the next the same way as an ink-jet printer will build yourself a bird table, a coffee jug or a new big thing. © Portabee3dprinter.com 84 I togethermag.eu togethermag.eu I 85 life of leisure Can you pass me your butler’s friend? iedel Glass © R Riedel Swan Decanter

Alex Hewetson risks life and Haragayato/wikipedia © limb on behalf of Together with various sharp objects

Open sesame Sommelier knife Let’s start with getting at the stuff, via a plastic or high-class natural cork (unless you unscrew it, and that is another chapter). The important thing, what kind of always go for a waiter’s corkscrew, which corkscrew? First and foremost the classics, has a little blade for taking off the top of the which have two kinds of snake (the screwy capsule, a two-stage lever and a rounded part of the device that bites into the cork) snake that doesn’t slice. Alternatively, you that are either rounded or machined. Avoid might try a classic Screwpull, which is very the machined snake as it has very sharp gentle on older corks. Ruining a cork edges, which are OK for plastic or because of the screw is a crying shame, compound corks, but murder, my dear, for especially if you have just laid out €800 for older and more delicate ‘bouchons’. I would a bottle of Chateau Margaux 1982.

If these still aren’t your cup of tea, then Try a might I suggest the dual prong, known in the trade as the butler’s friend. It has two classic flat parallel prongs that can remove the cork without a blemish. If you can get the Screwpull, capsule off without any damage, you can of course polish the wine off, refill the bottle which is very with something vastly inferior, then replace gentle on cork and capsule without anyone being the wiser. Butlers were fond of this trick, older corks apparently, hence the nickname.

togethermag.eu I 87 life of leisure Butler’s friend

© Barthwo/Wikipedia © candescent/Flickr Rock-a-bye baby Wine decanter Some people like putting the bottle in cradles that tilt it so that the sediment stays away from the top, and these come in all shapes and sizes, from artisan baskets to You might point out that I have omitted high-tech bits of stainless steel that glasses and wine storage, but to me these resemble a NASA launch site. The best that are not accessories so much as the main I ever saw was one that works with a crank items of clothing, without which the various and turn by turn pours the wine, thus accoutrements I have discussed would be avoiding any muck getting into the glass of like standing naked wearing a necklace, an honoured guest. I recently saw one on earrings and bangles. Delightful, perhaps, e-bay going for $210, so they aren’t cheap. but what would their purpose be? Another accessory for pouring is the ring that prevents wine from dripping and fits around the bottle neck. These are useful and can prevent embarrassing moments... imagine you have just been introduced to ALMOST your better half’s parents, poured them a glass of something very impressive, then AS POPULAR left a horrendous red stain on their cream AS WINE ITSELF, tablecloth. Not good. WINE ACCESSORIES Flat wide bottom Let’s forget the ‘decant or not’ debate and ESSENTIALLY assume you want to ‘wow’ people with a FALL INTO THREE beautiful vessel to serve the wine. I always feel that decanters should be fairly heavy CATEGORIES: and wide bottomed, like a ship’s decanter, which was designed to avoid the port going over in a storm. There are of course some • Things to get wonderful creations, Riedel have a swan- at the wine neck, which is a jug with a long, tapering, narrow pipe, supremely elegant, but meant that my friend serving the wine had to be in • Things to pour it Dieppe while we were drinking it in Dover. Tall narrow decanters are lovely, but can be a bit unstable. There are of course flasks • Things to serve it and jugs that some prefer, which can be very graceful.

88 I togethermag.eu togethermag.eu I 89 dining

Brussels-based caterer Alex Weston of laBritannique and Britxos has dreamed up the perfect menu to sweep your loved one off his or her feet. There is also a chance to win a dinner for two... Food for love

Perfect for everyone really

Britxos café

© ACM Photography

90 I togethermag.eu togethermag.eu I 91 dining life of leisure What’s on A trio of oysters Shallots, vinegar, & lemon; deep fried; tartare (Opulent and an aphrodisiac) international A selection of events beyond Belgium’s borders Saffron risotto COMPETITION: chosen by Emma Portier Davis (Bright colours with a little bit © Jason Tang The Killers of spice but not too much) Allen Stone WIN DINNER American rock Hippy songster Allen band The Killers Lobster or crab Stone, who hails from Served with mayonnaise and will be FOR TWO! Washington and started a herb salad performing hits (A dish to linger over and out singing in his father’s Taste these very same delicacies in from their latest savour rather than wolfing down) LaBritannique’s new venture Britxos, church, will be treating album Battle [fusion of British and Pintxos - tapas fans to a selection of his Born at the or in Basque], pronounced ‘Brit-ch-os’. soul influenced tracks at Zénith de Paris La Flèche d’Or in Paris. on March 12. Duck confit The bar/café in Saint-Gilles offers tasty March 11. Served with a cherry sauce and herb salad delights from across the former British Tickets from Tickets €18.80. (Everybody likes duck after all) Empire and beyond, selected by a gourmet €48.80. traveller, to be enjoyed at any time of the www.livenation.fr © Wyatt Boswell www.livenation.fr Triple chocolate mousse day or night - breakfast, lunch, afternoon White chocolate, milk chocolate, and a dark tea or as a nibble whenever the fancy takes The Darkness © Live Nation chocolate praline served with frosted berries you – to eat in, take away or offer as a tasty Ice Hockey: (Perfect for the ladies. Perfect for everyone gift. British rock band The La Coupe de France really) Darkness will be performing Ice hockey teams Les Ducs Send an email to [email protected] at Stockholm’s Tyrol on d’Angers and Les Diables Soft music in the background optional. with the message ‘Food for love!’ February 17, showcasing Rouges de Briançon will be ngers

hits from their third album A fighting it out for La Coupe de Hot Cakes. Tickets SEK350. France, the country’s premier www.livenation.se cup competition, on February

© Les Ducs d’ 17 at Bercy. Tickets from €24. www.bercy.fr La Bohème The Royal Opera House OH 2009 Living Colour in London stages New Yorkers Living Puccini’s tragic opera Colour, famed for hit La Bohème which tells tracks Cult of the tale of the penniless Personality and Love

© Johan Persson, R poet Rodolfo’s love for Rears Its Ugly Head, terminally sick will be performing seamstress Mimi. at Amsterdam’s February 16-March 12. Melkweg on March 11 Tickets from 142 as part of their global 25th sterling. Britxos’ oyster tartare anniversary tour. Tickets €25. © ACM Photography © AF www.roh.org.uk www.melkweg.nl

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What’s on Faulty Towers The Dining Experience Tribute to Fawlty Towers starts as the belgium audience waits to be seated then hurtles A selection of events in Belgium, along for two hours of fully immersive, chosen by Emma Portier Davis highly improvised and site-specific comedy theatre. With only a third of the show © Susanne Schwiertz scripted, everything stays fresh as Basil, Amy Macdonald Sybil and Manuel serve up madcap Scottish singer- mayhem and a three-course meal – with songwriter performing the audience playing the part of their works from her new restaurant diners. Just don’t mention the album Life In A war! Internationally acclaimed by audiences Beautiful Light. and critics alike. Stadsschouwburg AB main hall. Antwerp. February 28 to March 2. 26 February. Tickets €99,00 Tickets €35.00. © Ron Rutten

© Copyright LNE Press Elena Mosuc INKEYE EXHIBITION Artists Demaone and Boho share their love for Disney on Ice urban imaginary through calligraffiti, photography Lucrezia Borgia See London with Peter Pan and Wendy, Hawaii and writing. Until 6 March The infamous, intriguing with Lilo & Stitch and a host of other destinations poisoner inspires both with favourite Disney characters in this musical ice fascination and rejection from dance spectacular on February 8-12 at Antwerp’s the men she attracts. Cirque Sportpaleis and February 13-17 at Forest Royal. Until 8 March. National. Tickets from €29. Ticket info www.lamonnaie.be. www.gracialive.be

Le Bebe by OgnianZekoff 3D printing by Olivier de Cayron www.inkeye.be

Affordable Feria Musica Sinué Art Fair Five acrobats represent five facets of a little boy A fun four-day event hosting curious about growing but afraid of the unknown. a wealth of galleries Halles de Schaerbeek. © BOZAR and a huge array Ticket info www.feriamusica.org. “Noon Concerts“ of contemporary art. 2012-2013 Tour & Taxis Violinist Noé Inui and piano Jazz Master Session 21 - 24 February 2013. Itzhak Solsky perform Saint- Michael Blass on piano, Baert De Nolf on double Tickets: Saëns, Chopin and Brahms in bass, Bruno Castellucci on the drums in the cosy Advance €11 / Door €13 these popular lunchtime atmosphere of the Sounds Jazz Club in Ixelles. 25 concerts. 30 February. Tickets February. Sounds. Ticket info: see website €8,00, €4,00 under 26. BOZAR.

© AF www.soundsjazzclub.be www.bozar.be

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The group has raised between €20,000 and €45,000 annually

© mireyafotos/Flickr Expats for UNICEF A bunch of dedicated expats are raising both money and awareness for a very good cause

Many people, naturally, have a soft 75% of the total amount raised to Children spot for UNICEF as a worldwide charity and Rights programmes in the field and in in Belgium it’s no different. But there is a Belgium. According to the last annual special group working in conjunction with reports, around 80% of the money raised the organization to increase awareness has been sent to the field or to projects in among the influential expat community in Belgium. Brussels, although it’s by no means restricted to expats. Beatriz Irala heads up “Most people in the committee work full-time the committee. “We organize more than two and even if they are very motivated to events per month on average, ranging from support UNICEF, for me it’s very important pub quizzes, wine tastings, screenings, that everyone coming to the committee parties, art exhibitions, dance classes, spends the time volunteering in a meaningful brunches, etc. It’s very interesting to ‘work’ way. I try as much as I can to encourage with many people from different origins and people to get involved in events they like backgrounds, all of whom are there because very much and that they take ownership of they believe in the cause and really, really these projects.” want to be there.” The group meets once a month to discuss Founded in April 2004, the group has raised ongoing events and brainstorm new ideas. between €20,000 and €45,000 annually. If you would like to volunteer or participate in Expats-for-UNICEF ‘s accounts belong to a events, send an email to [email protected]. chapter of the UNICEF Belgium financial Meanwhile, Beatriz is looking forward to the account, which means that all the money next twelve months. “Eight years on, I’m still raised by the Expats-for-UNICEF appears there and I love it.” directly on the UNICEF Belgium accounts (under the volunteers’ chapter). UNICEF Check out the group’s page on Facebook. Belgium is committed to sending at least UNICEF in Belgium: www.unicef.be

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Love: It’s a snap

LE CHAT by Philippe Geluck

98 I togethermag.eu TOGETHER MAGAZINE INSPIRING YOU TO REACH YOUR DREAMS VALUE € 3.50 FEBRUARY 2013 #36